Researching New York Conference Proposals Due Aug 8

The annual Researching New York Conference will be held at the University at Albany on November 17-19, 2016. This year’s Conference on New York State History, typically held in the spring, will be held in conjunction with the Researching New York Conference.

Conference organizers invite proposals from any time period and any methodological perspective on any aspect of New York State history. This conference is expected to bring together historians, archivists, public historians, graduate students, museum curators, teachers, documentarians, and more to share their work on New York State history.

Organizers welcome proposals for workshops, roundtables, panels, and individual papers from scholars, public history professionals, educators, librarians, and others engaged in the study and dissemination of New York State History. Work that addresses issues surrounding the interpretation, preservation, commemoration, and public presentation of New York State history is welcome.

Special Focus: As they do every 20 years, New Yorkers will vote, in 2017, on whether to hold a Constitutional Convention to change the New York State Constitution. Understanding this historically, in the larger context of society, politics, civic engagement, and more, informs current debates over convening a constitutional convention while enlarging our understanding of the civic life and history of New York State. Historically, debates leading up to and actual outcomes of Constitutional Conventions have often had wide ranging, if not always well-understood, implications for the citizens of New York.

Proposals are due August 8, 2016 [Editor’s note: Sorry folks, this announcement was only sent to the New York History Blog a few days ago]. Complete panels, workshops, media presentations, or full sessions are preferred; partial panels and individual submissions will be considered whenever possible.

Submit a summary of your session, including a brief abstract and curriculum vita for each panel participant. Individual submissions should include a one-page abstract and one-page vita. Submissions must include name, address, and e-mail address. All proposals must include all anticipated audiovisual needs and any potential time constraints. Please submit your proposal as an attachment via e-mail to resrchny@albany.edu.

Commentators for panels are also sought. Indicate your interest by contacting resrchny@albany.edu, noting your area of expertise, along with a one-page vita. For further information, visit the Researching New York website.

The conference is sponsored by the University at Albany Department of History, the New York State Historical Association and cosponsored by the University at Albany M.E. Grenander Special Collections & Archives, the New York State Archives Partnership Trust and the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government.

Questions or comments should be directed to resrchny@albany.edu.